50 Magic-al years

Magic Johnson turns 50 years old today. Keep clicking to see Magic through the years. In this photo of his playing days at Michigan State, Johnson (33) pushes off Kentucky forward Jack Givens during a NCAA Mideast Regional final game in Dayton, Ohio, March 18, 1978. AP PHOTO

Click on the photo to view a slideshow of Magic Johnson's first 50 years.

It's been 18 years since Magic Johnson stood before an assembled group of reporters, Lakers personnel and the world and declared he had contracted the virus that causes AIDS.

It was supposed to be a death sentence. It wasn't.

Not only did Johnson comeback and star in the All-Game three months later that year, he has continued to be the face of the Lakers organization. A changing face, however.

Johnson turns 50 years old Friday, a cause for celebration, not only for his friends, family and fans, but for everyone who thought they couldn't combat HIV. Today, Johnson is a Lakers executive, a successful businessman, a television commentator and philanthropist.

Magic Johnson turns 50 years old today. Keep clicking to see Magic through the years. In this photo of his playing days at Michigan State, Johnson (33) pushes off Kentucky forward Jack Givens during a NCAA Mideast Regional final game in Dayton, Ohio, March 18, 1978. AP PHOTO
Magic Johnson led Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA title, beating Larry Bird's Indiana State team, igniting a rivarly that would carry over to the NBA careers. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
The popularity of NBA took off after Magic Johnson and Larry Bird entered the league, creating a sensation that has lasted 30 years. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
Few in the NBA had ever seen someone of Magic Johnson's ability to handle a basketball. They didn't call him Magic for nothing. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
Five of the Lakers 10 championships they have won in Los Angeles have been touched by Magic Johnson. He carried the team to dozens of victories. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
Magic Johnson tested his abilities against some of basketball's best, including the other "M.J." -- Michael Jordan. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made a dynamic duo for the Lakers during the 1980s, also known as the Showtime Era. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas took part in an unusual and cheeky pregame routine every time the Lakers played the Pistons. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
Magic Johnson celebrated five NBA titles with the Lakers, bringing a level of success the franchise had not enjoyed since their days in Minneapolis. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
Magic Johnson usually was at the center of the many annual match-ups and feuds with the Boston Celtics. There was no love lost between the teams, despite the long-standing friendship between Magic and Larry Bird. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
Magic Johnson was a member of hte original Dream Team at the 1992 Olympics that dominated opponents, but didn't care. One opposing player, while trying to guard Johnson, frantically waved to a camera-wielding teammate on the bench, signaling to get a picture of them together. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
The news of Magic Johnson's immediate retirement because of HIV was carried live around the world. He quickly became the face of active adults living with HIV. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
After getting medical clearance, Magic Johnson, who was diagnosed with HIV, made a comeback attempt in 1995-96. But not everyone thought it was a good idea and he retired for good after the team lost in the playoffs. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
Magic Johnson's coaching stint was short-lived after he realized he couldn't relate well to the younger players. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
After retirning from the NBA, Magic Johnson served as an international ambassador of sorts, conducting camps around the world. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
Magic Johnson has long been a popular figure with the L.A. sports and music crowds. Here he is shown with Paula Abdul, Jerry Buss and Snoop Dogg. GETTY IMAGES, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
In between his business dealings, Magic Johnson is a regular commentator for TNT. He is known not to hold back on his opinions, especially about the Lakers. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
While the real Magic Johnson is a fixture at Lakers games, his likeness, cast in bronze, stands outside Staples Center 24/7. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
Since leaving the basketball arena, Magic Johnson has dabbled in the political arena, supporting various candidates. He once even considered running for mayor of Los Angeles. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
Magic and Cookie were the first couple of the Lakers long before Kobe and Vanessa. Cookie has stood by her man throughout his long career. AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
A Laker exectuive today, Magic Johnson is a fixture at Lakers games, sitting courtside along the baseline at Staples Center. Wonder if Rent-A-Center gives him the chair? AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
Today, Magic Johnson is a successful business man in Los Angeles, overseeing a conglomorate of companies and starring in commercials. Anyone need rental furniture? AP PHOTO, TEXT BY JANIS CARR
<p><strong>Check out all our sports coverage:</strong><br><b><a href="http://www.ocregister.com/sections/lakers-664493/">Lakers</a> | <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/sections/angels-664481/">Angels</a> | <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/sections/ducks-664489/">Ducks</a> <br><a href="http://www.ocregister.com/sections/usc-664513/">USC</a> | <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/sections/ucla-664517/">UCLA</a> | <a href="http://www.ocvarsity.com/">OCVarsity</a></p></b>

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